International Joint Commission Water Quality Activities Need Greater U.S. Government Support and Involvement
CED-82-97
Published: Jun 23, 1982. Publicly Released: Jun 23, 1982.
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Highlights
GAO conducted a review to determine whether the United States is meeting the objectives of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreements with Canada. The International Joint Commission (IJC) is responsible for advising the U.S. and Canadian Governments on Great Lakes and other boundary waters pollution control matters.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of State | The Secretary of State should designate a high level official within the Department to respond to any formal IJC recommendations and requests for information and to develop and implement a system to follow up on IJC reports and recommendations. |
Closed – Not Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of State | The Secretary of State should develop and formally transmit to the President of the United States a policy and procedures for establishing staggered terms for U.S. IJC Commissioners. |
Closed – Not Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of State | The Secretary of State should consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and provide, in an expeditious manner, a U.S. nominee for the Water Quality Board position. |
Closed – Not Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of State | The Secretary of State should, in conjunction with the U.S. IJC Commissioners, the U.S. Chairman of the Water Quality Board, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, establish a formal mechanism to acquire input for the Board from all U.S. federal and state agencies involved in water quality activities. |
Closed – Not Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of State | The Secretary of State should develop and send to the President for transmittal to the U.S. IJC Commissioners a formal request for the Commissioners to: (1) develop clear and achievable objectives for the U.S. sections of IJC advisory boards; (2) require the U.S. sections of the boards to prepare activity plans and review such plans regularly to monitor the progress being made by the boards and to ensure that board resources are used effectively; and (3) develop and implement a long-term management plan or strategy for the U.S. section of IJC which, at a minimum, would provide for periodic meetings with the advisory boards and the regional office. |
Closed – Not Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Intercoastal waterwaysInternational agreementsInternational cooperationWater pollution controlWater qualityLakesPollutionFederal agenciesPollution controlNonpoint source pollution